The military Mannlicher–Schönauer was not commercially successful, in the sense that it did not attract many contracts for export.
The 1903 Mannlicher–Schönauer carbine's light recoil, familiar iron sights-similar to those of the Mannlicher M1895 graduated up to 2000 m-and its quick-handling properties brought it widespread praise. The rifle was manufactured to a high standard and was made with tight tolerances, raising costs but improving reliability and durability. The rotary magazine contributed to the smooth feeding and high rate of fire without jamming. The 6.5×54mm MS cartridge had traits of a hunting round even though it had a projectile with a rounded point, it was ballistically efficient, improving accuracy at moderate ranges. The weight was around 3.75 kg, the magazine capacity was five rounds and was fed by a stripper clip system, or by single rounds if need arose. The Greek Army requested two main versions, one long rifle of 1230 mm (this length is the total length of the arm, not the barrel) length and a carbine of 950 mm (length of arm, not barrel) length for use by cavalry and non-infantry troops. Their specifications may have dictated some of the rifle's characteristics. While small sporting concerns, such as William Evans of London, purchased actions for their rifles, only the Greek Army expressed interest in the design for military use. The original design, introduced at the World Fair as the Model 1900, allowed the development of either service or sport versions depending on market response. The characteristic that sets this design apart from others of the era though was the innovative Schönauer rotating spool magazine. The Mannlicher–Schönauer may be identified by the split in the rear of the receiver which allows the bolt handle to pass through, and double as an emergency locking lug when closed, in case of failure of the primary locking lugs. At first sight many confuse it with a Mauser rifle, due to the similar bolt and handguards. While the more famous Mannlicher M1895 used the less common straight-pull bolt, the Mannlicher–Schönauer had a conventional turn-bolt, more reminiscent of the Gewehr 88 and other typical military bolt-action rifles. The rifle action was designed by Ferdinand Mannlicher and the rotary magazine by his protégé Otto Schönauer of the Österreichische Waffenfabriksgesellschaft (Austrian Arms-Manufacturing Company now Steyr Mannlicher). The Mannlicher–Schönauer rifle was one of these novel designs.
Sketch showing the magazine system of the Mannlicher–Schönauer 270 Winchester (Model 72)įront barleycorn rear tangent adj.
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